Photography Bay

Digital Camera News, Reviews and Tips

Nikon DSLR Instant Rebates

By

Several Nikon DSLR and lens combos have solid instant rebates available, which make for a heckuva deal in time for the holidays.  These rebates run through December 12, 2009.

All you have to do to take advantage of the rebate is order one of the camera and lens combos noted below.  The following links take you to Amazon.com.  You have to add both products to your shopping cart and Amazon will automatically apply a $200 or $100 discount (depending on the combo) at checkout.

Nikon D5000 (body only) and Nikon 70-300mm VR lens = $200 instant rebate

Nikon D5000 w/18-55mm VR kit lens and Nikon 70-300mm VR lens = $200 instant rebate

Nikon D3000 w/18-55mm VR kit lens and Nikon 55-200mm lens = $100 instant rebate

Nikon D3000 w/18-55mm VR kit lens and Nikon 55-200mm VR lens = $100 instant rebate

Nikon D90 and Nikon 70-300mm VR lens = $200 instant rebate

Nikon D90 w/ 18-105mm VR kit lens and Nikon 70-300mm VR lens = $200 instant rebate

Nikon D300s and Nikon 70-300mm VR lens = $200 instant rebate

Nikon D700 and Nikon 70-300mm VR lens = $200 instant rebate

Additional detail are available on the respective product pages on Amazon.com.

 

RED Announces More Details on Scarlet and EPIC, No Actual Cameras Though ’til Next Year . . . Maybe

By

We’ve been living with the great RED hype for over a year now since word of the cameras first leaked out (intentionally) and were eventually announced on November 13, 2008.

Since the announcement, RED has provided periodic updates or teasers about the new products; however, no actual products have been delivered.  Earlier this week, RED announced more official details concerning the Scarlet and EPIC cameras in its forum, which is their typical modus operandi.

The short of it? [Read more…]

Sony A500 and A550 ISO Comparisons

By

Sony A500 and A550

Recently, I’ve been getting to know the new Sony A500 and A550 DSLRs, which feature 12.3-megapixel and 14.2-megapixel Exmor CMOS sensors, respectively.  Sony has hyped these consumer-grade DSLRs as low-light and low noise shooters thanks to their BIONZ image processing.  Both cameras cover a sensitivity range of ISO 200-12800, which is a pretty bold spec for cameras priced under $1000.  So, I decided to take a closer look at the noise performance of the cameras side-by-side. [Read more…]

Reader Question: Should I Buy a Rebel T1i or Wait For a Canon Rebel With a Swivel LCD?

By

Photography Bay reader, Alan, wants a Canon DSLR, but also likes the swivel LCD found on other cameras.

Alan’s Question: I am looking at upgrading to a DSLR and have come to the conclusion that Canon is my preferred choice (namely the 500D). However I really am taken by the swivel Nikon D5000‘s LCD flip down swivel screen. Not only does it fold up back wards to proteck the screen it also offers excellent viewing of screen at strange angles. SO my question is does any one know of any rumors if future Canon models with this swivel screen feature.

My Answer: There’s certainly been speculation regarding a swivel LCD on Canon DSLRs.  A few months back, Canon asked about the importance of this feature in an EOS customer survey.  I think Canon is definitely thinking about it.  I also think it’s very possible that it could be a feature in the next Rebel model.  Would I bet money on that?  No.  However, I wouldn’t be surprised at all to see it.

The Canon 500D / Rebel T1i is a great camera, which can be had at a very reasonable price now.  If you really want a DSLR, there’s always a reason to wait for the next model.  Most of those reasons, however, are not justified in my opinion.

I’ve used the the T1i and the D5000 both.  I don’t think a swivel LCD changes the way I shoot anything but video.  And if you want the camera for video, for most people there are better solutions than a DSLR.  If you want a still image camera, I’d say jump on the T1i and don’t worry about the lack of a swivel LCD.  Just my two cents.

For more on these cameras, you can check out the following resources here on Photography Bay:

Canon Rebel T1i Review

Canon Rebel T1i Reviews and Resources

Nikon D5000 Review

Nikon D5000 Reviews and Resources

Do you have advice for Alan, or maybe some unique knowledge about whether Canon will be plugging a swivel LCD in the next Rebel?  Leave a comment below.  We would love to hear from you.

Canon 7D as a Video Camera

By

You knew the Canon 7D could capture video, right?  The better question is whether you know how to take advantage of this capability.

In case you missed it, Chad Mumm of Engadget posted a nice little piece on his impressions of the Canon 7D as a filmmaking tool.  Chad’s the video producer over at Engadget and he clearly knows a little more than the average bear when it comes to shooting video.  He’s also got some great advice about working with mics and sound.

His points will largely apply to the Canon 5D Mark II as well.

So, if video DSLRs are your thing, you might want to check out Mumm’s word on the 7D.

Canon DSLR Rebates Expire Today

By

If you were thinking about picking up a Canon DSLR package for someone for Christmas, Canon’s package rebates (up to $200) expire today (Saturday, Nov. 21).

Here’s the rundown on the deals:

Remember, this is an instant rebate, so there’s no UPC to clip and mail-in while you wait 6-8 weeks for a check to come back.  Prices should be reflected in your checkout cart.

Canon 50D Kit w/ 28-135mm IS USM lens + EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM lens = Save $200

Package links: B&H Photo / Adorama

Canon Rebel T1i Kit w/ 18-55mm IS lens + EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS lens = Save $200

Package links: B&H Photo / Adorama

Canon Rebel XSi Kit w/ 18-55mm IS lens + EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS lens = Save $200

Package links: B&H Photo / Adorama

Canon Rebel XS Kit w/ 18-55mm IS lens + EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III lens = Save $100

Package links: B&H Photo / Adorama

Canon Refurbished Deals at Adorama

By

Adorama has several refurbished Canon cameras lenses and flashes in stock – the inventory has just been replenished.  This might be a good opportunity to save a few bucks on Canon gear.

Adorama’s listings for Canon cameras and lenses are here.  Canon 50D for $929.95, etc.

Nikon users, you can find your Nikon refurbished gear here.